In the Lord, we dwell in safety!

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

To announce or not to announce? That has been the debate recently. If we announce, we run the risk of “chasing” people away (prospective staff and mission teams) or “worrying” friends and family back home. If we don’t announce, we aren’t giving our supporters the truth about what is going on and the struggles we are facing, and we are not availing ourselves to the many prayer warriors that can be joining us in prayer.

We have opted to announce!

In the last 8 months, Adventure Learning Camp has been robbed 6 times. All but two of the instances happened in broad daylight. Staff have lost a computer, a car, small amounts of cash, purses, jewlery, etc; the Camp has lost tools and equipment; Mission Discovery lost tools and electrical equipment; but despite the loss of property and the inconvenience of having to deal with the lost property and damages, we feel blessed that “things” are all that God has allowed the thieves to take. We remain at peace in the knowledge that God is in control and protecting us. We will not allow Satan to scare, threaten or intimidate us!

Praise God with us that the car was recovered this week, we are safe, and that the police have found the perpetrators of this last break-in. Please continue to pray for safety and protection of the staff, guests and property of all here at ALC&C and that God gives us the opportunity to extend grace to the thieves (we know who it is) and that the thieves will repent and come to know the Lord.

Ministry Update

Once again we would like to thank all the the teams that have come to the island this month to serve the Bahamian people. We feel honored to have been able to meet each of you, serve you and serve along side each of you as we have labored to further the kingdom of God on this earth.

Mission Discovery Team 1

We were not able to meet the team that came to serve through Mission Discovery the first week of June because we were in the States for Garrett and Abby’s wedding. Our capable staff served the MD team and staff well, and we heard great things from MD leaders.

Low Country Christian School from Charleston, SC

When we returned to the island on June 9th, LCCS was already on the island serving the Bahamian people. The team was comprised of a group of homeschool families ages 6 years to adults. They served at BAPD, ALC, and Children’s Emergency Hostel.

Mission Discovery Team 2

This week we have been serving Mission Discovery. The leaders arrived at the end of last week and the team participants arrived on Sunday. The team is comprised of 2 churches, one from Atlanta, Ga and one from Rockford, IL. The teams have been serving at a Haitian Day Care and Pastor Exante’s church.

St. Isaac Jogues Youth Ministry from Philadelphia, PA

Along with MD team 2, a small group of young men from Philadelphia have been with us this week. They have been on the island serving at the ALCamp in the mornings (they have done a lot of painting on the Camp office building), an orphanage in the afternoons, and at a couple churches on the island.

Youth Outreach

Last Friday was the final Youth Outreach for the school year. We had over 50 young people, and the evening included time of fellowship, singing, awards, challenge from God’s Word and of course hot dogs and s’mores around the camp fire. Youth Outreach will begin again in September.

Summer Day Camp

For six weeks this summer, the Centre is hosting Day Camp for children ages 5-12. This year the children are going “Under the Sea”. It is an exciting time for 80+ young people and the staff. Activities include singing, Bible class, sports, crafts, horseback riding, train rides, beach days, and field trips. Please pray for the staff as they work with the children and endure the hot, summer Bahamian sun.

Facility Update

Cabin 3 is currently staff housing but is slated to be removed to make way for a new cabin.

Work on the new cabin is still not underway, but preparation and obtaining Ministry of Works plan approvals are underway. Instead of building a brand new cabin next to cabin 1 as we previously reported, the board has decided that we are going to tear down cabin 3 and build the new cabin in its place instead. Pray that God provides staff housing. With the removal of cabin 3 (currently used for staff housing), we are faced with some serious, inconvenient challenges for staff housing especially when large groups are here.

The petting farm at the Centre has been receiving a facelift and has acquired some new animals. Teacup pigs and budgies are two of the most recent animal acquisitions.

Praise the Lord for a new generator to run the dining hall/kitchen and bath house. It is installed and has already run a couple of times during power outages. Please continue to pray for us as we personally raise funds to buy a generator for our house (frequent power outages affect our ability to homeschool).

Staff Update

Major changes are taking place. Earlier this week, ALC&C board chairman Lee Burtelson was on the island to meet with ALC&C staff and with Cranston Knowles, one of our other board members. During meetings, Mark Wallace stepped down as over-all director of the Centre side of the ALC&C ministry. Mark will continue to function as Science and Outreach Director. Dilan VanRyn is Programme Director. Jen Rogers is Curriculum Director. Sean Wilson is Animal Welfare Director. Tim remains Camp Director and is now Maintenance Director for both the Centre and Camp as well. Please pray as this added role increases Tim’s already full work load. As for over all leadership of the ALC&C ministry, please pray that God sends the right person to fill the role of Executive Director of ALC&C.

Facilitator Megan and…

Facilitator staff for next year is still needed. If you know a godly young man or woman who would like to come to the Bahamas to serve for a year, please let us know!

Seeley Family Update

We know some of you read our blogs to find out how we are doing personally. We are sorry, but for sake of time, we will not be able to update family news. With the current work load and the recent developments and changes, I (Mindy) am doing a lot more to assist Tim in the work he has to do. As time allows over the next couple weeks, we will try to update you on what is going on in our personal life.

Thank you for your prayers, support and interest and in our lives and ministry work!

Tim, Mindy and Zachary Seeley

We are not employed by Adventure Learning Centre and Camp. The work we do here in the Bahamas is exclusively funded by the generous support of individuals and churches. If you feel led to do so, you may partner with us and support our ministry work by clicking on the “Shepherds Staff Mission Facilitators” logo in the side bar of this page and following the instructions. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your prayers and generosity. May God bless you!

2 Comments

Good update Mindy. Thanks for putting in the time to give such thorough ones. And thanks for your care and serving me since I got here. As we move through these changes we have all got to be aware of one another’s needs. 🙂